Duracell Powerpack 600
vs.
Wagan Power Dome

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Choozza will then find the best product for you.

Duracell Powerpack 600

2
Low Cost
2
Reliability
2
Portability
2
Safety Features
2
Power Output
2
Emergency Jump Start
2
Add Ons

Wagan Power Dome

Duracell Powerpack 600

The Duracell Powerpack 600 can be safely and conveniently recharged from any household AC outlet or DC cigarette-lighter outlet. This robust battery is tied to a power inverter that provides 600 watts of power, and has three grounded AC outlets (100 volt) and one DC socket (12 volt). This is good for all your TVs, fans, etc. The Powerpack also has an AM/FM radio.

Wagan Power Dome

The Power Dome boasts a 600 cranking amp auto jump starter bundled together with a 260 PSI high power motor air compressor. It has a 400 watt AC power inverter, a high intensity LED light, a built-in AM/FM radio with iPod input, two AC (100 volt) outlets and one DC (12 volt) outlet. With all these outlets, you may connect computers, TVs, fans, etc.

Low Cost

The Duracell Powerpack is usually a little more expensive than the Power Dome.
The Wagon Power Dome is normally a little cheaper than the Powerpack.

Reliability

The device quality is not as good as you would expect. Some users noted that they receievd units with faulty components, and a few even complained that the device they bought stopped working soon after they bought it. Many commented that the power meter display does not work well. Problems were reported when the internal battery power was allowed to run too low.
The overall build quality is average. There are no major problems but someof the units presented small inconsistencies that, while minor and not interfering with the ability to provide power, may point to some problems with quality assurance. The jumper cables are not very heavy duty.

Portability

The Duracell Powerpack measures 14 x 22 x 9.2 inches and weighs 29 pounds. This is 35.5 x 55.9 x 23.4 cm and 13.1kg. It basically weighs like a toddler.
The Wagan Power Dome measures 8 x 12 x 11 inches and weighs 25 pounds. This is 20.3 x 30.5 x 28 cm and 11.3 kg. This makes the Power Dome considerably smaller and lighter than the Powerpack.

Safety Features

The Duracell Powerpack has surge protector so appliances that need too much juice will not come on. Additionally, there is a reverse charge flow protection to protect you against connecting the jumper cables the wrong way around.
The Power Dome has overload and short circuit protection mechanisms.

Power Output

Duracell Powerpack 600 provides ample power to recharge cordless and cellular telephones while operating emergency lights, televisions and a wide range of DC-powered products. The smaller appliances, portable coolers, laptops, televisions and gaming consoles will run for hours. However, it is limited in the number of amps that you can pull. As a rule of thumb only low powered appliances can be plugged in. This is acceptable, as it is not a fully powered generator. One user reported that the Powerpack was able to start his car four consecutive times, and that he was then able to use it to power the car for a little longer. The unit will power a laptop for up to four hours between charges, and a CPAP machine for about 20 hours.
The Wagan Power Dome will suit you well for those camping trips when you need it to recharge cell phones, music players and portable DVD players. It will also provide a good light that will last for a few days, and jump start your car when required. Additionally, you can use it to inflate matresses, tires, etc. It is important to note that the Power Dome can not be used as a heavy-duty emergency power source, since it is not a fully powered generator.

Emergency Jump Start

Duracell Powerpack contains a powerful 28-amp battery, which can be used to jump start most 8-cylinder engines. It also has a nice reverse polarity detector, which ensures your safety in the event that the jumper cables are connected to the incorrect battery terminals.
The jump start feature is able to start most engines, although some users found some difficulties with 8 cylinders. The Jumper cables are not very heavy duty and you may want a higher gauge cables.

Add Ons

The Duracell Powerpack comes with built-in AM/FM radio and emergency light. The jumper cables let you jump start your vehicle, and the unit also ships with an AC adapter )to recharge it from a wall outlet) and a DC charging cable that can be inserted into any standard cigarette-lighter outlet, allowing you to recharge it from any car, boat etc. You also get an accessory bag is for storage.
The unit has a power meter. Some users complained that the power meter is inaccurate and hence useless. The flash light and radio are not considered top quality but are adequate for most situations. You can purchase a solar panel separately for recharging the Power Dome when you are away from civilization and don't want to start your engine.
The Wagan Power Dome has a radio, air compressor, a LED light, and of course � it can jump start your car. The FM/AM radio has an auxiliary audio input jack (so you can attach your MP3 player) and a USB power supply port. This is excellent for those players that require a USB for recharging. The radio speaker is average and there is no audio out. The air compressor goes up to 260PSI, and is equipped with a good length hose and a set of tips for different balls, and of course, you can inflate camping mattresses or car tires. In some cases the air compressor gets hot really fast, and some users commented that it just burns after using it for a short while. The compressor is not very powerful and inflating tires can be a time consuming process. The LED light is quite bright, and the included jump cables are good , but you need to ensure that the Power Dome is adequate for your car, as the more power consuming engines (such as 8 cylinders) may not be able to get enough power from it, especially when the battery is completely flat. You can purchase a solar panel separately for recharging the Power Dome when you are away from civilization and don't want to start your engine.

Duracell Powerpack 600

Wagan Power Dome

Duracell Powerpack 600

Average rating: 4.0 / 5
based on 158 customer reviews
Feel factor: 2


Works Great - better than expected.

(Score 5/5)

Just used this for the first time on the 4th of July and it lasted all day. 10am to 11pm. We went to the beach and of course wanted music. This powered the ipod and speakers for 13 hours. We were thrilled; thought it would give out long before we were ready to leave. It also charged 2-4 phones during the day, maybe more I lost track. I'm a 5'4 female and I can easily carry this. It charges fully in about 4 hours. I highly recommend this.

Posted on: 2010-07-23
By C. Fisher



Great idea, but it failed on me and is fairly

(Score 2/5)

I purchased this powerpack in spite of the bad reviews. I thought (I hoped) I'd be one of the lucky ones and the product would work for me. I used it twice before it would no longer charge. From AC, it fully charged after about 20 hours. The first thing I noticed was that the three AC outlets are too close and/or are oriented in such a way that no more than one item can be charged at a time. This is because many plugs are not simple, small and 2 or 3 pronged - they are instead adaptor-like and larger. There is no point to offer 3 AC outlets if you can only use one at a time. The second thing I noticed is that the 26W Brunton Flexible Solar Panel that is recommended with it is just sized way too small. It will take nearly 24 hours of full sun to fully charge this battery using a 26 watt solar panel. It can recharge a cell phone, it can light up a 13 watt CFL lamp, power up a 7" tv, run a foodsaver, a small fan, and well, that's about it. It can't run any coffeemaker that I have, it can't run any medium sized appliances. It's limited to say the least. The good news is that Amazon will quickly replace it. Why buy another one? Well, the size and portability is nice. I like that it has a DC outlet. The light and radio are just alright. Why not use LED? Radio knobs (small screws) are so small as to be ridiculous. I hope the second one is a winner and won't fail on me.

Posted on: 2010-07-19
By Amazon User



Better Safe than Sorry

(Score 5/5)

This Jump Starter & Emergency Power Source works amazingly well for me in the few weeks I've had it. It charges my laptop great and many other things I have as well. Also, I not only would recommend this product just for occasional use, but in preparation. I live in an area that is known for its earthquakes and I don't want to take the chance of having my car stuck somewhere miles away from civilization. Better safe than sorry and I know I can count on this when I really would need it.

Posted on: 2010-07-15
By Priscilla Grant



Duracell 600 Powerpack

(Score 4/5)

I bought the Duracell battery pack to use solely to run a 19" TV and a antenna/receiver. I need it to operate these up to two hours. So far, the unit as worked great for this purpose. The unit has a window to show the percentage it is charged, and two hours of usage used less than half of the charge. It is also OK to keep it plugged in to 110 volt AC to charge it all of the time when not in use. I gave it four out of five stars because it is too soon to know if it will hold up.Duracell DPP-600HD Powerpack 600 Jump Starter & Emergency Power Source with Radio

Posted on: 2010-07-12
By Alan Witter



Doesn't work

(Score 1/5)

I charged it fully but the LCD reading for the reader only shows a few dashes leaving it unreadable. The LCD for the function stays on 0 the whole time no matter what I do. I've tried plugging in various items to the AC outlets and they don't work or barely feed any juice to them rendering it useless. What a waste of money.

Posted on: 2010-07-12
By Matt

Wagan Power Dome

Average rating: 3.5 / 5
based on 26 customer reviews
Feel factor: 3


good stuff on your journey

(Score 4/5)

Very good spare tool on your journey. I got this item for more than one month now. It looks good and works well except the heavy weight.

Posted on: 2010-07-27
By Jeff



Works but not great

(Score 3/5)

I order this product and when I got it I used it for camping, one of the plugs was loose inside so only one worked. The other one worked only when you held it. So I called amazon and got another shipped to me. Same Problem as before plug wires was loose. I think they are very cheap and made not so well. The name on it is a sticker and they always are falling off. Other than those problem I didn't really play with the air pump, radio or jumper cables so not sure how they worked. But I got my refund and two sorting working machines, that I am incharge of finding out how to get ride of because the hazard battery they can't be shipped back to them.

Posted on: 2010-07-26
By louie



Do not buy

(Score 1/5)

I have had to send this unit back to Wagan twice. The first unit started to smoke when I tried to add 5 PSI to a tire up. The second units inverter never worked from the get go. I am now on my third unit and it experienced a "burning" smell when I was testing the inverter. I wish I could return this unit but it has been more than 30 days from when I bought the thing - I can only send the thing back to Wagan for exchange. Every time you send the unit to Wagan for warranty exchange they make the customer pay the freight and it takes over a month to get the replacement unit back. I have owned this unit for a little over 90 days, but due to having to exchange the thing twice I have only have the unit to use for 4 days. I am not satisfied at all!!!

Posted on: 2010-07-20
By L. Wilde
Helpful index: 100%



Too good to be true

(Score 5/5)

This multi-purpose device has to be too good to be true, but so far, it is surpassing all of my expectations and has raised the bar.

It arrived on my front door two days after ordering with Free Super Server shipping!

The shipping box had a few air pillows one one side holding the actual product box in place inside.

It had a rough journey, but for arriving in two days after I ordered it, I really can't complain.

The box opened easily and the unit was firmly packed in form-fitted styrofoam.

As I pulled the plastic off it, it looked great! The handle on top has a solid feel when gripped and all of the buttons, dials and attachments were in factory positions and ready for use.

I wanted to charge it up right away so that I could try it out before I go on vacation. The book says to charge for 36 to 48 hours. I charged it for twelve and tested all of the features and everything works as advertised.

Upon initial examination of the manual, I was temporarily disappointed because the picture did not look like what was sitting on the table in front of me. After I found another picture in the foreign language section that did match up, I realized that the unit has multiple buttons and dials on both sides! I had thought the meter and buttons on both sides were for the same purpose, but they are not.

There is an AM/FM radio with an audio input jack. I don't plan on using this for that purpose, but knowing that it has it is a nice added bonus.

The LED light on the front is very bright (another bonus) and the voltimeter check button does it's job and works quickly.

After I take it out camping, or need it to inflate a tire or charge up a device I will truly know if this device is as great as it appears. So far, I could not be happier.

Overall, my initial impression is that this is one amazing device. It looks great, it costs 25% less than competitive products with far less features and it'll fit snugly under my truck's back seat.

I do not know if I will ever get to use this device, but knowing that I have it in case of an emergency is a good feeling.

The picture does not do it justice, and for around $100.00, it is a very inexpensive device that will give me peace of mind on a cross country trip.



Posted on: 2010-07-02
By Corey L. Oakes



Last One I Buy

(Score 1/5)

This is my third Wagan and each one has been a dud. This latest one I bought - PowerDome EX - won't charge up even when I've plugged it in to its maximum alloted time. I've done this three times and still, won't work. The outside looks new but I wonder if they stuck an old battery in there. It's such a pain to get it replaced. The one I bought last year - PowerDome 2354 - lasted one month and the charging receptacle broke on the battery side. The Wagan customer service guy said there's nothing they could do about it! He told me to take it apart and fix it myself. The first unit I bought several years ago, only lasted one year. The third time's it. No more Wagans. Overall, I'd say if you're going to review a product, better to give it some longevity rather than reviewing it shortly after you buy it. My experience with three over four years should give you a pretty good idea of how poorly made these power supplies are.

Posted on: 2010-07-01
By Boku Kodama
Helpful index: 100%

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